Rafiqul Islam (1 January 1934 – 30 November 2021) was a Bangladeshi educationist, scholar, writer, linguist and cultural activist.

[3] He was a vice-chancellor (2007–2011), professor emeritus and adviser to the Centre for Bangla Studies of the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB).

[5] Islam's notable books include Nazrul Nirdeshika, Bhashtottya, An Introduction to Colloquial Bengali, Bangladesher Swadhinota Sangram, Bhasha Andolan O Shahid Minar, Dhakar Kotha, Bhasha Andolan o Muktijhuddher Shahitya, Swadhinotar Sangrame Dhaka Biswabidyalaya, and Dhaka Biswabidyalayar Ashi Bosor.

He obtained a master's degree from Cornell University in general linguistics and cultural anthropology in 1960.

[5] Islam wrote 30 books on the language, literature, history and culture of Bangladesh.